St. Petersburg : Development News

The 25-year-old St. Petersburg Pier Aquarium is moving, expanding and rebranding, bringing the new Secrets of the Sea Marine Exploration Center and Aquarium concept to John's Pass Village in Madeira Beach.

Slated to open by November 2013, Secrets of the Sea will be the anchor attraction at John's Pass Village on Gulf Boulevard and 129th Avenue in Madeira Beach, featuring a broader, more technology-focused marine exploration concept.

Construction on the 13,500-square-foot, approximately $4 million facility began on April 23rd.

“The Pier Aquarium has been bursting at the seams for a long time while the public's interest in the ocean environment, cutting-edge technology and marine science continues to grow,” says Pier Aquarium President and CEO Howard Rutherford of the 2,000-square-foot St. Pete facility. “The unknown future of The Pier created an extraordinary opportunity for a bold, new approach to the Aquarium's mission.”

The Pier Aquarium will close on May 31.

Rutherford plans for Secrets of the Sea to become one of an epicenter for marine research and one of Madeira Beach's premier attractions, bringing the public together with state-of-the-art marine research, innovation and technology interactive experiences.

Various marine-related activities, aquariums, galleries and exhibits developed by the St. Petersburg Ocean Team will focus on research concepts in a fun, explanatory fashion; exhibits include Essential Estuaries, Touch Tampa Bay, Fish at Risk, Corals on Acid, Crustacean Station and Moon Jellyfish.

Local design-build team Biltmore Construction and Harvard Jolly Architects are working on the construction of the two-story structure with Lexington Design and Fabrication designing and building innovative Mystery Stations throughout the center, showcasing how several sea habitats and lifeforms are benefiting from some of the ocean's unsolved mysteries.

“We hope to create a new generation of environmental stewards,” Rutherford says.

A public/private partnership between John's Pass Village owner AEGON USA Realty Advisors, Enterprise Florida's State Small Business Credit Initiative and a local lender, the new aquarium space was recently endorsed by Madeira Beach Mayor Travis Palladeno.

Additionally, a collective hotel partnership called the Secrets Premier Hotelier Group has been instrumental in helping Secrets of the Seas achieve its capital campaign target to begin construction, agreeing to provide in excess of $100,000 over the next five years in support of the new marine attraction.

The partnership includes TradeWinds Island Resort and Guy Harvey Outpost, St. Pete Beach Sirata Beach Resort and Conference Center, Lowes Don CeSar Hotel, Postcard Inn, Dolphin Beach Resort, Bilmar Beach Resort, Grand Plaza Resort Hotel, Alden Suites, Sunset Vistas Beachfront Suites, Beachcomber Beach Resort and Hotel, Plaza Beach Resorts and Barefoot Beach Hotel.

Secrets of the Sea is expected to generate nearly 250,000 visitors annually and pump $8 million into the local economy, reaching more than 40,000 students from six different countries.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Howard Rutherford, Pier Aquarium

Operating some of the Tampa Bay region's most beloved coffee shops, Kahwa Coffee is moving and expanding its headquarters to Joe's Creek Industrial Park in north St. Petersburg.

Located at 4125 8th Ave. S. in St. Pete for the past seven years, Kahwa opened the doors to its first downtown St. Pete location in 2008. Now, the company has plans to move out of their current 3,000-square-foot space, expanding their wholesale division through working with local distributor Tampa Beverage Solutions.

With five Kahwa retail locations in the Tampa Bay area, including two in downtown Tampa and three in St. Pete, Kahwa's 5,000-square-foot space at Joe's Creek Industrial Park, at 4350 28th St. N., will add three new positions with more to come, according to Kahwa Co-Owner Sarah Perrier.

"We have outgrown our current location on all fronts and are preparing for an aggressive growth in the retail sector in the Tampa Bay area in the next year," Perrier says.

Plans for Kahwa's new space include larger company offices, more warehouse space for roasting and production and a new barista training facility.

Featuring 1.6 million square feet of industrial space, Joe's Creek Industrial Park is one of the largest industrial parks in the Tampa Bay region. Kahwa will be joining a wide variety of businesses such as Gemaire, Custom Manufacturing and Engineering, Gorman Plumbing, Chromatech Digital, Wrightway Medical, Kane's and Pepsi.

This is Joe's Creek's second recent deal, with the industrial park represented by Grady Pridgen Realty's David Kramer.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Sarah Perrier, Kahwa Coffee

Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay (RTTB) is looking to respond to the need for residential housing rehabilitation programs in the Tampa Bay region, improving living conditions for local low-income families.

Receiving a $300,000 grant from Wells Fargo to improve homes in Tampa Heights, the program has been helping 12 homeowners update their homes. Partnering with the United Way Suncoast and City of St. Pete, many more home improvement projects are planned for the Heights area, as well as St. Petersburg's Campbell Park; Campbell Park is part of RTTB's Healthy Homes and Neighborhood program.

“There are many homeowners in need of our services and not enough nonprofits providing help to low-income homeowners to keep their homes safer, healthier and more energy efficient,” says RTTB Executive Director Jose Garcia. “Because of the economic downtown, low-income homeowners can no longer afford expenses to keep their homes maintained. Sometimes, it comes down to choosing between paying for food or medicine instead of replacing a roof or HVAC.”

Spending an average of $15,000 in construction costs, RTTB works to provide new roofing, HVAC, window replacements, bathroom renovations and lead paint repairs, if needed. Volunteerism through the program is encouraged, assisting with exterior painting, landscaping and yard cleanup.

On April 13th, RTTB hosted a Kick-Off to Rebuild Day Event, installing ramps and handrails and updating plumbing and interior and exterior painting for 80-year-old Campbell Park homeowner Elizabeth Chambliss; Chambliss, a veteran's widow, has been living in the area for more than 45 years.

In partnership with RTTB and United Way, volunteers from Honeywell assisted on-site to complete much of the repairs needed in Chambliss' home.

“We look for the most essential home repairs when we help a homeowner -- the needs of every home are not the same,” Garcia says. “We want to provide services that will make the home a safe and healthy place to live.”

April marks National Rebuild Month for Rebuilding Together affiliates nationwide and National Volunteer Month for the United Way with RTTB hosting an official Rebuild Day on April 27th, gathering volunteers from the United Way Suncoast and officials from the City of St. Pete to work on home repairs to four homes in the Campbell Park area of Pinellas County.

Plans to update homes in Hillsborough County are also underway.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Jose Garcia, Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay

Palm Beach County development firm Kolter Group recently began work on a new waterfront community on Snell Isle in St. Petersburg -- the first significant condominium development on the island in more than 40 years.

Water Club, at 1325 Snell Isle Blvd. N.E., will feature two 9-story towers including 95 luxury condominiums and 11 two-story townhomes with private two car garages, highlighted by Mediterranean architecture and a waterfront location on the east side of Snell Isle.

“Water Club answers a long-standing need for new, upscale condominium residents on Snell Isle,” says David Traynor, VP of Real Estate and Development Services for Smith & Associates, who will manage sales for the property. “People want all of the benefits of the elegant address and ease of condominium home living.”

Featuring a state-of-art fitness center, resort-style swimming pool, open-air palazzo, terraced garden and fire pit overlooking Tampa Bay, Water Club will also boast an on-site marina beside the St. Petersburg Yacht Club North Annex; slips will be available for purchase at the property's marina.

Four floor plans ranging in size from 1,700 to 1,900 square feet including two bedrooms and a den with two or three bathrooms are among the units to be offered at Water Club. Building features will include private elevator lobbies, as well as secured, covered parking. Chuck Jones of Curts Gaines Hall Jones Architects will be responsible for Water Club's design.

“Snell Isle is one of St. Petersburg's original waterfront developments: It offers a small, waterfront community feel away from the hustle and bustle while still being close enough for a bike ride to downtown St. Pete,” says Kortney Campbell, Smith & Associates social media and enterprise coordinator. "The Water Club residences will be an amazing addition to the area as they are unlike anything Snell Isle currently has."

Completion of the project is slated for June 2014.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: David Traynor & Kortney Campbell, Smith & Associates

A drop-in workspace for freelancers, entrepreneurs and on-the-go professionals in the Tampa Bay region, CoCreativ will open on Second Avenue in downtown St. Petersburg.

CoCreativ President and CEO Joseph Warren says he plans to redefine the modern workspace, promoting coworking in St. Pete with a cheap, alternative to typical makeshift offices and meeting spaces like Starbucks and Panera.

“Working on the go just got a whole lot easier,” Warren says. “People use makeshift office and meeting spaces because they have no place else to go. CoCreativ provides them with a flexible and professional workspace they can drop into as needed.”

Promoting an energetic and supportive community, CoCreativ's 5,500-square-foot pilot space is on the 12th floor of the Wells Fargo Plaza at 150 2nd Avenue North in downtown St. Pete. The space will feature a lounge area, private meeting room and conference room, as well as several rooms and cubbyholes for “heads down” work. CoCreativ's new space will also include a large multipurpose room for classroom training.

No long-term contracts and unlimited monthly acccess are among some of CoCreativ's features. Members simply drop in, plug in and begin working.

“Coworking spaces already exist in Tampa at places like Oxford Exchange, CoWork Tampa and FirstWaVE Venture Center, but up until now, St. Pete did not have a coworking space to call its own,” Warren says. “With all of the amenities that today's mobile professionals desire, such as great restaurants, cafes, nightlife and cultural variety, downtown St. Pete is the perfect place to launch our concept.”

CoCreativ will officially open the doors to a temporary location at the Wells Fargo Plaza on March 18th with plans to move to a larger, ground floor space in the near future; a pre-launch party and open house will be held on March 15th from 5:00 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“Coworking is being driven by a growing and more cohesive tech ecosystem that is quickly gaining national attention as a great place for start ups to launch,” Warren says. “We think we have a pretty solid understanding of our customers' needs and desires. Heck, we're part of our own target market for CoCreativ -- we designed this space for us too!”

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Joseph Warren, CoCreativ

An affordable senior apartment development is making its way to downtown St. Pete.

DDA Development's $18 million, 96-unit Campbell Landings project will offer Tampa Bay area seniors affordable rents in an active, urban location. Located on 6th Street South in St. Pete, qualifying seniors 55 and up will soon be able to take advantage of rents ranging from $280 to $680 monthly, depending on income.

Working with St. Pete architect Tim Clemmons of Mesh Architecture and general contractor Winter Park Construction, Campbell Landings will be developed under the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program with additional financing from JP Morgan Chase and a $120,000 deferred payment loan from the City of St. Petersburg.

"St. Pete has always been known as a nice place for seniors and we like what has been done with the downtown area,'' says DDA President Bowen Arnold. "Campbell Landings will help make downtown St. Pete a desirable, urban place to live.''

The apartments will be located in the heart of St. Pete, less than a quarter mile from Bayfront Medical Center and in close proximity to public transportation, attractions such as the Mahaffey Theater, Dali Museum and Jannus Landing; and public parks. Arnold says the development will offer amenities typically found in market rate apartments, but with significantly lower rental rates.

DDA hopes to set a new standard for affordable housing in neighborhoods near downtown St. Pete, offering features such as a lounge, cafe bar, exercise room, library computer lab, tenant storage area, covered parking, elevated outdoor deck, community garden, pass-key protected entry and energy-saving appliances.

Campbell Landings aims to attract seniors whose incomes don't exceed approximately $30,000 per year.

"We genuinely enjoy the opportunity to provide a nice, safe, affordable environment to seniors,'' Arnold says. "We hope to positively impact downtown by providing a high-quality senior development at affordable rents.''

DDA Development has developed more than 2,000 apartment under the tax credit program.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Bowen Arnold, DDA Development

Attention health food nuts: Don't miss the new Fitlife Foods location in downtown St. Pete.

Open to the public as of Monday, January 28th, the 1,200-square-feet store is the fourth location in the Tampa Bay area, offering flavorful, healthy and convenient prepared meals -- “indulgently fit prepared meals.”

Fitlife Owner and CEO David Osterweil says Fitlife Foods is all about powerfully good, made-from-scratch, fresh prepared breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack options. Whether you're looking for a healthy bagel sandwich, Mexican veggie melt (aka nachos), feel good chicken tenders or snicker doodle cookies -- Fitlife Foods has you covered, using unique ingredients to make all of your favorite foods guilt free.

“What law says you can't eat the foods that you crave and have it be nutritious and delicious as well?” Osterweil says. “It doesn't matter whether you are running a marathon, running behind on time or just trying to manage your busy life. Fitlife Foods is there to make it easier for you.”

The first Fitlife location opened in February 2011 on South Dale Mabry Highway in South Tampa. Since, additional locations have made their way to North Tampa and Clearwater. The new St. Pete location includes the local chain's newest interior design with an interactive chalkboard for guests to post health and fitness goals.

“St. Petersburg is a dynamic market in the Tampa Bay metro area with many people who are on the go and are looking for food to power them through their busy days,” Osterweil says. “Many residents of the area have been coming to our Tampa and Clearwater locations for some time and we wanted to reach out to this important cultural center in our community.”

Fitlife Foods offers health and weight loss programs to help kick start residents who are trying to drop inches and pounds, including the new Project U program and the 7, 14 and 21 Day Project (formerly the 21 Day Challenge).

“We really want people to be able to enjoy all of their favorite foods while getting fit in 2013!”

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: David Osterweil, Fitlife Foods

The Fresh Market, a specialty grocery retail chain, is expanding into Brandon.

With a goal of providing high-quality products in a unique, inviting shopping atmosphere, The Fresh Market has plans to open a more than 18,000-square-feet location in the Lithia Crossing shopping center on Lithia-Pinecrest Road in Brandon in 2013.

The 7th Tampa Bay area location and 35th location in Florida, the Lithia Crossing grocery store will work as an anchor store to surrounding businesses such as Land and Sea Market, Cold Stone Creamery, Stein Mart and Panera Bread.

As The Fresh Market's broker representative for West Florida, Florida Retail Partners brokered the lease for the company's newest location. Kalyn Brandewie, founding partner with Florida Retail Partners, says the Brandon area was chosen because The Fresh Market believes their store will be a welcomed addition to the affluent community.

"We are excited about our continued expansion in the South, in Florida in particular," says Randy Kelley, senior VP of real estate and development for The Fresh Market. "We look forward to building on the success of our other Florida locations, where we have enjoyed a strong and loyal customer base."

Opened in Greensboro, N.C. in 1982, The Fresh Market now operates 129 stores in 25 states, focused on offering a variety of fresh, natural and organic groceries and prepared foods; each store includes a full-service butcher shop, bakery, delicatessen, produce section, fish market and floral stand.

"[Upon visiting,] customers will discover that our stores are committed to variety, freshness and value, as well as customer service," says Craig Carlock, The Fresh Market president and CEO.

The Fresh Market currently operates locations in St. Pete, Sarasota, Bradenton, Clearwater, Carrollwood and South Tampa.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Randy Kelley & Craig Carlock, The Fresh Market

A new art gallery has made its way to the Edge District in downtown St. Pete.

The Basement at Downtown St. Pete -- which, yes, is actually a basement -- is a new 3,000-square-foot exposed brick space, featuring work by up and coming Tampa Bay area artists. Sponsored by local restaurants and bars, The Basement plans to host monthly events.

“The space is so unparalleled it just oozes creativity,” says The Basement's Nicki Odato. “It brings a surge of uniqueness to an already eclectic city.”

Odato, who runs The Basement with friend Sam Renick, says they weren't looking to open an art gallery when they came across the space at 1000 Central Ave. Instead, they were in the process of looking for a studio space for their local furniture design business, Sotted Design, but saw huge potential for an art gallery.

“Everything just happened organically: We came across the space, it made sense and everything fell into place,” Renick says. “We hope that when people visit The Basement, the same feeling we get every time we go down there, transpires to them.”

In addition to displaying local art, The Basement space is available to rent for photoshoots, videos, yoga classes, etc.

“We love out of the box ideas! Nothing is off of the table when it comes to an idea for the space.”

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Nicki Odato, The Basement

St. Petersburg's first self-sustaining, net zero building celebrated its grand opening on Monday, December 3rd.

As Florida's first designated green city, St. Petersburg is the new home of the Sierra Club's state headquarters and Big Sea Design and Development and Roundhouse Creative offices.

Built by All Florida Management with partners Bosch and Florida garden center Twig Leaves, St. Pete's first self-sustaining, net zero building is a U.S. Green Building Council LEED Platinum applicant, fully equipped with environmentally friendly solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, a water-to-air geothermal heat exchange system, glare-reducing thermal barrier window tinting, green spaces with native landscaping, rainwater harvesting and a weekly recycling program.

In other words: zero energy bill.

“These days, green businesses aren't just focused on developing earth-friendly technologies -- they are committed to offering a product or service that consumers know has little to no environmental impact,” says Tom Hall, the building's developer and managing partner of All Florida Management. “The emergence of this new green business culture has allowed our company to focus on meeting the needs of the small business community by dedicating ourselves to cultivating environmentally conscious commercial building platforms that reflect both our clients' personal and professional values.”

Roundhouse Creative is one of those small businesses looking to take advantage of everything the new eco-friendly building has to offer; Andrew Lee and his wife, Brooke, founded their production studio in 2007, focused on telling powerful stories and creating beautiful designs. Roundhouse Creative moved into a 2,600-square-foot space in the new building that is shared with Big Sea Design and Development.

“We made the decision years ago in our personal lives to be conscious of the environment and are excited about what being net zero will mean to our customers,” says Lee. “By hiring Roundhouse Creative, our customers can now benefit from the fact that their new website, TV commercial or web video has been produced with a near net zero environmental impact.”

With Roundhouse Creative's new space currently open for business, Lee looks forward to thriving in downtown St. Pete: What he calls a regional hub for art, culture and great food.

“Innovative, forward-thinking projects like this building are a perfect fit for the city and add to why I love St. Pete. I couldn't be more excited about what this project means for the area,” he says. “I hope other business owners become educated on the benefits of net zero and understand that they can now make conscious decisions for their business with the environment and future generations in mind.”

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Tom Hall, All Florida Management & Andrew Lee, Roundhouse Creative

United Way HandsOn Suncoast and Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay (RTTB) show what a little paint and a handful of volunteers can do to improve a neighborhood.

As part of a collaborative effort with RTTB, United Way volunteers came together November 3 to help renovate four low-income Sulphur Springs homes; the homes are part of RTTB's Healthy Homes for Sulphur Springs initiative funded by JPMorgan Chase Foundation and the Allegany Franciscan Ministries.

More than one dozen volunteers -- from licensed general contractors to local residents looking to spend a Saturday doing a good deed -- painted scuffed up exterior walls, repaired damaged roofs and faulty plumbing, pressure cleaned, planted new greenery and worked on small woodwork projects.

“We are committed to keep delivering -- along with our corporate partners -- healthy homes for residents in Sulphur Springs,” says RTTB Board President Beverly Minardi. “We want to thank those that volunteer for making this happen.”

With the support of more than 100 volunteers, RTTB preserves and revitalizes Tampa Bay area homes and communities to ensure that all homeowners, including those in lower-income neighborhoods, live in warmth, safety and independence.

“Our main focus is to revitalize one neighborhood at a time,” says RTTB Project Manager Mark Zdrojewski.

RTTB's goal is to keep affordable housing in the area, sparking economic development in the neighborhoods served. Since April 2011, the organization has completed renovations on more than 30 homes in the St. Pete area alone.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Beverly Minardi & Mark Zdrojewski, RTTB

The TradeWinds Sandpiper Suites on St. Petersburg Beach has now become Guy Harvey Outpost.

A TradeWinds Beach Resort, the $3 million rebranding of the 211-room beachfront property, at 6000 Gulf Blvd. in St. Pete, marks the first Guy Harvey Outpost in the U.S. The Outpost celebrated its grand opening on September 12th.

“Due to the growing popularity of Guy Harvey, his brand and conservation efforts, the timing is great,” says Keith Overton, president of TradeWinds Island Resorts. “Guy has a lot of fans in the country and this gives them a place to come to experience his lifestyle, see his artwork and live his ideals. We're thrilled with the opportunity to work with Guy on creating a sustainable, green environment for our guests.”

Some highlights of the project include Guy Harvey décor in all guestrooms, a Guy Harvey Outfitter Shop, eco-based programs and activities, a renovation of the resort's current restaurant and beach bar and the addition of a marine-themed Guy Harvey restaurant with lounge area, private dining and retail store.

“Through our partnership with Guy Harvey, we're looking forward to building on our commitment to conservation and education while continuing to provide extensive recreational options for our guests,” says Overton. “These programs will not only be a wonderful addition for our guests, but will also positively impact local and regional tourism. Visitors, locals and guests will all be able to have fun while learning about conservation and our area's unique marine environment.”

One of Guy Harvey Outpost's first endeavors is the sponsorship of the auditorium at the new Florida Gulf Coast Center for Fishing and Interactive Museum in Largo.

According to Overton, guests of Guy Harvey Outpost should expect the same service that was given at TradeWinds Sandpiper Suites and will still have access to the amenities at the Island Grand, including the JetLev, surf school, High Tide Water Slide and Splash Island Water Park.

New carpet, paint, artwork and flat screen HDTV's are expected in all Outpost guestrooms by December 2012 with the Guy Harvey-themed restaurant and lounge seeing development in 2013.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Keith Overton, TradeWinds Island Resorts

Revolve Clothing Exchange is now open in South Tampa, marking its third location in the Tampa Bay region.

Located at 4023 W. Kennedy Blvd., Revolve Clothing Exchange provides a modern twist to the consignment store concept, offering instant store credit or cash for gently worn garments.

With additional locations in Ybor City and St. Petersburg, the shops primarily focus on fashion for college-aged, twenty-somethings, but carry a wide variety of casual wear for ages 14 and up, including men's and women's clothing, shoes and accessories.

“South Tampa is between our other locations and is a top shopping destination with Westshore Mall and International Plaza nearby,” says Revolve co-owner Kevin Hecht. “But we provide a lower-cost alternative to the malls, with a wide variety of mall brands. In addition, we sell unique vintage items for those looking for something different.”

A practical and rewarding way to go green, Hecht says Revolve -- a small, local business itself -- proudly supports other Tampa Bay area businesses, as well as the local economy.

The new 3,000-square-foot South Tampa location is currently open for business, interacting with customers and regularly posting deals and one-of-a-kind finds on the shop's Facebook page.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Kevin Hecht, Revolve Clothing Exchange

A newly renovated 176-unit multifamily apartment community is in the works for St. Petersburg.

An example of affordable urban housing, Avesta Woodlawn Park by Avesta Homes touts itself as "St. Pete's first sensibly green apartment community" located on 18th Avenue just minutes from downtown, offering double-pane, low-e windows, ENGERY STAR appliances, water efficient landscaping featuring native plants, LED lighting, efficient plumbing fixtures and an on-site recycling program.

Avesta Woodlawn Park embodies the urban “live, work and play” concept, promoting alternative ways to travel with covered bike parking for residents and easy access to public transportation.

“Avesta Homes is very excited to be a part of the St. Petersburg community,” says Carol Toffolo, Avesta Homes director of marketing. “Improvement of a local neighborhood community while attracting residents will directly benefit local shops and business owners. Our improvements (the renovation and beautification of the prior Woodlawn Park property) increase the desirability for future home buyers and renters in the local area.”

Residents of the new urban community will also have access to eco-friendly amenities such as a community garden, fenced dog park, fitness trail and workout stations, private fenced backyards and a swimming pool featuring poolside WiFi.

The $3 million renovation project is slated to be complete by December 2012. Units are expected to be available for rent beginning September 2012 ranging from as low as $695 for a one-bedroom and up to $895 for a two-bedroom.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Carol Toffolon, Avesta Homes

The number of building permits issued in St. Petersburg is up about 10 percent during the last year, rising from 12,701 in 2011 to 13,869 in 2012. The construction value associated with building permit activity also increased.

With approximately $232 million now in construction values permitted for 2012, the fiscal year is in the running for being the highest building permit activity since 2007. City officials attribute some of the activity to more accessible information provided by Blue Chip, an online map service developed by the City of St. Pete.

“Blue Chip helps promote future development efforts in the community through the pre-selection process of prime sites, which must meet a 5-point criteria for inclusion on the Google Map application service,” says Kimberly Bailey, the the city's economic development analyst and Blue Chip developer. "Blue Chip is then promoted to Real Estate business journals and publications for investor attraction from around the world.''

Designed to identify prime real estate properties available for development and investor interest, the site launched in November 2011 and has seen eight of the initial Blue Chip properties sold with two additional sites under contract for purchase.

Blue Chip information is categorized by land acreage or zoning designation, providing contact information for the listing's real estate broker. The site also provides a link to the city's six major business clusters: medical technology and life sciences; information technology; marine and environmental sciences; financial services; manufacturing; and arts, culture, events and tourism.

“Residents can benefit from the site to determine if any prime Blue Chip parcels have been identified within their nearby business activity corridor, which brings investor awareness to their section of the community for the development and redevelopment of currently underutilized land,” Bailey says.

According to Bailey, Blue Chip has had more than 620 unique website visits, giving St. Pete international exposure to the United Kingdom, Canada, France, India, Kenya, The Philippines, Portugal and Siberia.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Kimberly Bailey, City of St. Pete